Offering both the IGCSE and IB Diploma programs, the Upper School program at the International School of Ulm/Neu-Ulm prepares students in grades 9–12 for university or other institutions of higher education. Most of our students will study further in English-speaking countries or at a university in Germany. We provide advice and application support for students who seek entry into leading German and international universities.
In addition to the IB Diploma, every senior student at ISU should aim to graduate with an ISU diploma, which is considered the equivalent of a U.S. high school diploma and allows a student to be awarded the "Mittlere Reife" in Germany. ISU offers all the IB Diploma requirements to meet German government recognition. The specific German government recognition requirements are given here.
We champion the idea that each person is unique, and that young people in Middle School, grades 6–8, go through a transition phase, which requires a particular focus on the program offered. ISU provides learning opportunities that cater to individual growth in all areas of human development.
ISU provides a learning environment that enables each student to develop his/her talents and faculties in a comprehensive manner. Young people need to feel that their contributions are relevant, useful, and needed in a wider community. We are committed to developing awareness for one’s own culture but also to provide multi-faceted experiences in interaction with people of a different background. This enables learning partners to reflect their own position and fosters understanding of the values of others.
The Lower School encompasses students from age 1–5. We provide students with opportunities for developing socially, academically, and emotionally. The staff and faculty strive to provide the tools students need for success.
The Lower School curriculum is framed by the philosophies and goals of the International Baccalaureate’s Primary Years Program (PYP). The PYP is an inquiry-based curriculum framework for children from 3–12 years old, and it combines current research practice from a range of national systems with the wealth of knowledge and experience from international schools. This program, which is broken into six major units of study, was developed to meet the needs of internationally mobile students as well as those valuing international mindedness.
The PYP concentrates on the self-development of each student as well as academic goals. It is structured into trans-disciplinary themes. In this context, students research relevant concepts and develop and learn essential skills as well as corresponding attitudes. Furthermore, students learn a sense of responsibility and a gain wide range of knowledge.